TWI694945B

TWI694945B - Bicycle operating device

Info

Publication number: TWI694945B
Application number: TW106125151A
Authority: TW
Inventors: 駒田耕之
Original assignee: 日商島野股份有限公司
Priority date: 2016-08-26
Filing date: 2017-07-26
Publication date: 2020-06-01
Also published as: IT201700095742A1; TW201806814A; DE102017007568A1; CN107776814A

Abstract

A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, an operating member, a piston, and an electrical switch. The base member includes a first end portion to be mounted to a bicycle handlebar, a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, and a cylinder bore. The operating member includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion is pivotally coupled to the base member about a pivot axis. The distal end portion is farther from the proximal end portion than the pivot axis. The piston is movably provided in the cylinder bore and operatively coupled to the operating member to move in the cylinder bore in response to a pivotal movement of the operating member. The electrical switch is provided at the second end portion. The electrical switch is farther from the distal end portion of the operating member than the pivot axis.

Description

Bicycle operating device

The invention relates to a bicycle operating device.

Bicycle activities are becoming more and more popular forms of entertainment and transportation. In addition, cycling has become a very popular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whether the bicycle is used for entertainment, transportation or competition, the bicycle industry is continuously improving the various components of the bicycle. One bicycle component that has been extensively redesigned is the operating device.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a bicycle operating device includes a base member, an operating member, a piston, and an electric switch. The base member includes a first end to be mounted on a bicycle handlebar, a second end opposite to the first end, and a cylinder bore. The operating member includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is pivotally coupled to the base member about a pivot axis. The distal end is farther from the proximal end than the pivot axis. Pistons can be It is movably provided in the cylinder bore and is operatively coupled to the operation member to move in the cylinder bore in response to the pivotal movement of the operation member. An electric switch is provided at the second end. The electrical switch is farther from the distal end of the operating member than the pivot axis.

With the bicycle operating device according to the first aspect, it is possible to use the second end as a position where the electric switch is provided. Therefore, it is possible to improve the design freedom of the bicycle operating device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a bicycle operating device includes a base member, an operating member, a piston, and an electric switch. The base member includes a first end to be mounted on a bicycle handlebar, a second end opposite to the first end, and a cylinder bore. The operating member is pivotally coupled to the base member about a pivot axis. The piston is movably provided in the cylinder bore and is operatively coupled to the operation member to move in the cylinder bore in response to the pivotal movement of the operation member. The electric switch is directly provided at the second end without going through the movable intermediate member.

With the bicycle operating device according to the second aspect, it is possible to use the second end as an area for electric switches. Therefore, it is possible to improve the design freedom of the bicycle operating device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to the first or second aspect is constructed so that the call switch is farther from the first end than the pivot axis.

With the bicycle operating device according to the third aspect, it is possible to use a region farther from the first end than the pivot axis as a region for electric switches. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the Design freedom.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to third aspects is constructed so that the base member includes a grip portion, and the grip portion is provided between the first end portion and the second end portion between.

With the bicycle operating device according to the fourth aspect, the rider can hold the grip portion. This allows the knight to easily operate the electric switch.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects is constructed so that the call switch is farther from the first end than the inner bore of the cylinder.

With the bicycle operating device according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to use a region farther away from the first end than the inner hole of the cylinder as a region for electric switches. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the design freedom of the bicycle operating device.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects is constructed so that the base member includes a reservoir inner hole, which is connected to the cylinder bore. The electric switch is farther from the first end than the inner hole of the receptacle.

With the bicycle operating device according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to use an area further away from the first end than the inner hole of the receptacle as an area for electric switches. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the design freedom of the bicycle operating device.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to the sixth aspect is constructed so that the reservoir inner hole is provided above the inner hole of the cylinder barrel in the installed state where the base member is mounted on the bicycle handlebar.

With the bicycle operating device according to the seventh aspect, it is possible to use the area provided above the cylinder bore as the area for the cylinder bore. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the design freedom of the bicycle operating device.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to the sixth or seventh aspect is constructed so that the base member includes an exhaust port, and the exhaust port is connected to the inner hole of the reservoir.

With the bicycle operating device according to the eighth aspect, it is possible to discharge hydraulic fluid from the inner hole of the reservoir via the discharge port. Therefore, it is possible to improve the maintenance of the bicycle operating device.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects is constructed so that the base member includes a saddle bridge portion, which is provided at the second end. An electric switch is provided at the saddle bridge.

With the bicycle operating device according to the ninth aspect, it is possible to use the saddle bridge portion as an area for electric switches. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the design freedom of the bicycle operating device.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to the ninth aspect is constructed so that the call switch includes a user operating portion that faces forward and upward under the installed state where the base member is mounted on the bicycle handlebar.

With the bicycle operating device according to the tenth aspect, it is possible to improve the operability of the electric switch.

According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, according to the ninth or tenth The aspect of the bicycle operating device is constructed such that the first end portion defines the first end surface, and the first end surface is constructed to contact the bicycle handlebar. The saddle bridge portion defines a second end surface, the second end surface being farthest from the first end surface. The electric switch includes a user operation part which is arranged in the second end surface.

With the bicycle operating device according to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to improve the design freedom of the bicycle operating device while improving the operability of the electric switch.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects further includes a controller that is electrically connected to the electric switch to generate a control signal based on the operation of the electric switch.

With the bicycle operating device according to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to operate the electric device by using an electric switch.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to the twelfth aspect is constructed so that the call switch is provided on the controller.

With the bicycle operating device according to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to unitize the electric switch and the controller into a single unit.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to the twelfth or thirteenth aspect is constructed to call the switch farther from the first end than the controller.

With the bicycle operating device according to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to use an area further away from the first end than the controller as an area for electric switches. Even if the controller is provided in the bicycle operating device, This allows the knight to easily operate the electric switch.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the twelfth to fourteenth aspects further includes an additional electric switch provided at one of the base member and the operating member. The additional electrical switch is electrically connected to the controller.

With the bicycle operating device according to the fifteenth aspect, it is possible to operate the additional device by using an additional electric switch.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to the fifteenth aspect is constructed so that an additional electric switch is provided at the operating member.

With the bicycle operating device according to the sixteenth aspect, it is possible to use the operating member as an area for additional electric switches. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the design freedom of the bicycle operating device.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the twelfth to sixteenth aspects further includes a cable connector provided at one of the base member and the operating member. The cable connector is electrically connected to the controller.

With the bicycle operating device according to the seventeenth aspect, it is possible to electrically connect at least one electric device to the controller via the cable connector.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to the seventeenth aspect is constructed so that the cable connector is provided at the base member.

With the bicycle operating device according to the eighteenth aspect, it is possible to use the base member as an area for the cable connector.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the twelfth to eighteenth aspects further includes a wireless communicator provided at one of the base member and the operating member. The wireless communicator is electrically connected to the controller.

With the bicycle operating device according to the nineteenth aspect, it is possible to operate the electric device wirelessly by using an electric switch or other electric switches.

According to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to nineteenth aspects is constructed so that the cylinder bore has a cylinder center axis. The electric switch includes a user operation portion that can move relative to the base member along an operation axis defined not to coincide with the central axis of the cylinder.

With the bicycle operating device according to the twentieth aspect, it is possible to easily operate the electric switch by using the user operating part.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to the twentieth aspect is constructed so that the operating axis is inclined with respect to the cylinder center axis when viewed along the pivot axis.

With the bicycle operating device according to the twenty-first aspect, it is possible to improve the design freedom of the bicycle operating device by changing the inclination angle of the operating axis with respect to the central axis of the cylinder.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to the twentieth aspect is constructed so that the inclination angle defined between the operating axis and the central axis of the cylinder is equal to or less than 45 degrees when viewed along the pivot axis .

Using the bicycle operating device according to the twenty-second aspect, It is possible to further improve the design freedom of the bicycle operating device while maintaining the operability of the electric switch.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the twentieth to twenty-second aspects is constructed so that the operating axis is viewed from the cylinder center axis when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis Offset.

With the bicycle operating device according to the twenty-third aspect, it is possible to adjust the position of the electric switch to one of the right hand and the left hand. This further improves the operability of the electrical switch.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to twenty-third aspects is constructed so that the operating member is operatively coupled to the piston in response to the pivoting of the operating member Move to pull the piston from the initial position to the actuated position.

With the bicycle operating device according to the twenty-fourth aspect, it is possible to apply the electric switch to the bicycle operating device including the pull-out hydraulic unit.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to twenty-third aspects is constructed so that the operating member is operatively coupled to the piston in response to the pivoting of the operating member Move to push the piston from the initial position to the actuated position.

With the bicycle operating device according to the twenty-fifth aspect, it is possible to apply the electric switch to the bicycle operating device including the push hydraulic unit.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the invention, according to the first to the The bicycle operating device of any one of the twenty-fifth aspects is constructed so that the pivot axis is farther from the first end than the bore of the cylinder.

With the bicycle operating device according to the twenty-sixth aspect, it is possible to make the second end compact and compact, and thus to achieve an attractive appearance.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to twenty-sixth aspects is constructed so that the cylinder bore is arranged between the pivot axis and the first end.

With the bicycle operating device according to the twenty-seventh aspect, it is possible to make the second end portion compact and thus achieve an attractive appearance.

According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to twenty-seventh aspects further includes a grip cover, the grip cover is attached to the base member to at least partially The ground cover covers the base member. The electric switch is covered by the grip cover to be operated via the grip cover.

With the bicycle operating device according to the twenty-eighth aspect, it is possible to protect the electric switch from getting dirty.

2‧‧‧ bicycle handlebar

4‧‧‧Hydraulic hose

6‧‧‧Electric control cable

10‧‧‧Bike operating device

12‧‧‧Base member

14‧‧‧operating components

14A‧‧‧Proximal end

14B‧‧‧ distal end

16‧‧‧First end

16A‧‧‧First surface

18‧‧‧second end

18A‧‧‧Sag

20‧‧‧ Grip

21‧‧‧ Saddle Bridge Department

21A‧‧‧Second end surface

22‧‧‧Installation structure

24‧‧‧Clamp with ring

26‧‧‧Locking member

27‧‧‧Mounting bolt

28‧‧‧ Grip cover

30‧‧‧Pivot shaft

32‧‧‧Cylinder bore

34‧‧‧ Piston

36‧‧‧First sealing ring

38‧‧‧Second sealing ring

40‧‧‧piston rod

42‧‧‧third sealing ring

44‧‧‧Through hole

46‧‧‧Hydraulic room

48‧‧‧Export

49‧‧‧Exit channel

50‧‧‧Reservoir inner hole

52‧‧‧ Diaphragm

54‧‧‧Cover

56‧‧‧Sturdy components

58‧‧‧Hydraulic reservoir

60‧‧‧Reservoir room

62‧‧‧Connecting hole

64‧‧‧Exhaust port

66‧‧‧Threaded hole

68‧‧‧Drain plug

70‧‧‧ Piston offset member

72‧‧‧The first offset element

74‧‧‧Second offset element

76‧‧‧The first support shaft

78‧‧‧Second support shaft

80‧‧‧Coupling shaft

81A‧‧‧First guide groove

81B‧‧‧Second guide groove

82‧‧‧Operation lever

84‧‧‧ intermediate body

86‧‧‧First adjustment member

88‧‧‧First threaded hole

90‧‧‧Second adjustment member

92‧‧‧bar offset member

94‧‧‧Electric switch

96‧‧‧User operation department

98‧‧‧Controller

98A‧‧‧ processor

98B‧‧‧Memory

98C‧‧‧Substrate

98D‧‧‧PLC controller

100‧‧‧Cable connector

102‧‧‧Control cable

104‧‧‧Port

106‧‧‧Extra electric switch

108‧‧‧Extra electric switch

110‧‧‧Control cable

210‧‧‧Bike operating device

299‧‧‧Wireless Communicator

299A‧‧‧Signal generation circuit

299B‧‧‧Signal transmission circuit

299C‧‧‧ Antenna

299D‧‧‧Signal receiving circuit

310‧‧‧Bike operating device

402‧‧‧ Bicycle handlebar

402A‧‧‧handlebar end

410‧‧‧Bike operating device

412‧‧‧Base member

416‧‧‧First end

418‧‧‧second end

A1‧‧‧Pivot axis

A2‧‧‧Central axis of cylinder

A3‧‧‧Operation axis

AG‧‧‧Tilt angle

BC1‧‧‧Hydraulic bicycle components

BC2‧‧‧Electrical device

BC3‧‧‧ Extra device

BT‧‧‧Battery

BT1‧‧‧ battery holder

D1‧‧‧Axial direction

D2‧‧‧ direction

P11‧‧‧ static position

P12‧‧‧Operation position

P21‧‧‧Initial position

P22‧‧‧actuation position

P321‧‧‧Initial position

P322‧‧‧actuated position

IV‧‧‧line

VII‧‧‧ line

By considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, a more complete understanding of the present invention and its many accompanying advantages will be easily obtained as it becomes better known.

FIG. 1 is a bicycle operating device according to a first embodiment Perspective view.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the bicycle operating device shown in FIG. 1.

3 is a side view of the bicycle operating device shown in FIG. 1.

4 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle operating device taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 2.

5 is a plan view of the bicycle operating device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bicycle operating device depicted in FIG. 1 with the base member omitted.

7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the bicycle operating device taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 5.

8 is a block diagram of the bicycle operating device shown in FIG. 1.

9 is a side view of the bicycle operating device according to the second embodiment.

10 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the bicycle operating device depicted in FIG. 9.

11 is a block diagram of the bicycle operating device shown in FIG. 9.

12 is a side view of the bicycle operating device according to the third embodiment.

13 is a bicycle operating device according to a fourth embodiment Side view.

Embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same element symbols are marked with corresponding or equal elements throughout the figures.

First embodiment

Referring first to FIG. 1, the bicycle operating device 10 according to the first embodiment is constructed to be mounted on the bicycle handlebar 2. In this embodiment, the bicycle operating device 10 is constructed to be mounted on a sunken handlebar. However, the structure of the bicycle operating device 10 can be applied to other operating devices mounted on other types of handlebars such as flat handlebars, time trial handlebars, and horn-type handlebars.

The bicycle operating device 10 is operatively coupled to at least one device to operate the at least one device. In this embodiment, the bicycle operating device 10 is operatively coupled to a hydraulic bicycle assembly BC1 like a hydraulic brake device. The bicycle operating device 10 is operatively coupled to the hydraulic bicycle assembly BC1 via the hydraulic hose 4.

As seen in FIG. 2, the bicycle operating device 10 is operatively coupled to the electric device BC2 and the additional device BC3. Examples of the electric device BC2 include bicycle seatposts, bicycle hangers, bicycle shifting devices, stopwatches, and smartphones. Examples of additional devices BC3 include electrical components and mechanical components. Examples of electrical components include bicycle seatposts, bicycle hangers, bicycle shifters, stopwatches, and smartphones. Mechanical components Examples include bicycle seatposts, bicycle hangers, and bicycle shifting devices. In this embodiment, the electric device BC2 includes a bicycle seatpost, and the additional device BC3 includes a bicycle shifting device. The bicycle operating device 10 is operatively coupled to the electric device BC2 and the additional device BC3 via the electric control cable 6. The bicycle operating device 10 is operatively coupled to the electric device BC2 and the additional device BC3 via separate electric control cables respectively extending from the bicycle operating device 10. In the case where the additional device BC3 includes a mechanical shift device, the bicycle operating device 10 can be operatively coupled to the additional device BC3 via a mechanical control cable. In addition, the bicycle operating device 10 can be operatively coupled to at least one of the electric device BC2 and the additional device BC3 via wireless communication. The additional device BC3 can be omitted if necessary and/or desired.

In this embodiment, the bicycle operating device 10 is a right-hand side operation/control device that is constructed to be operated by the rider's right hand to actuate the hydraulic bicycle assembly BC1. However, the structure of the bicycle operating device 10 can be applied to the left-hand side operating device.

In this application, the following directional terms "front", "back", "forward", "backward", "left", "right", "cross-section", "upward" and "downward", and Any other similar directional terms refer to those directions determined based on a user (eg, rider) sitting on a bicycle seat cushion (not shown) and facing the bicycle handlebar 2. Therefore, these terms used to describe the bicycle operating device 10 should be explained relative to the bicycle equipped with the bicycle operating device 10 used in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bicycle operating device 10 includes a base member 12 and an operating member 14. The base member 12 includes a first end 16 to be mounted on the bicycle handlebar 2. The base member 12 includes a second end 18 opposite the first end 16. In this embodiment, the base member 12 includes a grip portion 20 and a saddle portion 21. The grip portion 20 is provided between the first end 16 and the second end 18. The saddle bridge portion 21 is provided at the second end 18. The saddle bridge portion 21 extends forward and upward from the grip portion 20 in a mounted state where the base member 12 is mounted on the bicycle handlebar 2. At least one of the grip portion 20 and the saddle bridge portion 21 can be omitted from the base member 12.

The first end 16 defines a first end surface 16A, which is constructed to contact the bicycle handlebar 2. The saddle bridge portion 21 defines a second end surface 21A (FIG. 3), which is farthest from the first end surface 16A. In this embodiment, the first end surface 16A has a curved surface, and the second end surface 21A has a flat surface. However, the shapes of the first end 16 and the second end 18 are not limited to this embodiment.

The bicycle operating device 10 further includes a mounting structure 22 to mount the first end 16 to the bicycle handlebar 2. The mounting structure 22 is a stationary member when mounted on the bicycle handlebar 2. The mounting structure 22 preferably includes an annulus jaw 24 and a locking member 26. The locking member 26 is coupled to the endless belt clamp 24 and includes mounting bolts 27 (FIG. 1) to clamp the bicycle handlebar 2 between the endless belt clamp 24 and the first end 16. The mounting structure 22 can include other structures similar to the endless belt clamp 24 and used to mount a road transmission on a sunken handlebar.

The bicycle operating device 10 also includes a grip cover 28 that is attached to the base member 12 to at least partially cover the base member 12. The grip cover 28 is made of non-metallic material like rubber. The rider sometimes holds the base member 12 (eg, the grip portion 20) and leans on the base member 12 (eg, the grip portion 20) during riding. The grip cover 28 can be omitted from the bicycle operating device 10.

As seen in FIG. 3, the operating member 14 is provided as a rod extending in the longitudinal direction. The operating member 14 includes a proximal end 14A and a distal end 14B. The proximal end 14A is pivotally coupled to the base member 12 about a pivot axis A1. The distal end 14B is farther from the proximal end 14A in the longitudinal direction of the operating member 14 than the pivot axis A1. The distal end 14B is the farthest from the proximal end 14A in the operating member 14 and constitutes the free end of the operating member 14.

The operating member 14 is pivotable relative to the base member 12 about the pivot axis A1 between the resting position P11 and the operating position P12. The bicycle operating device 10 includes a pivot shaft 30 that defines a pivot axis A1. The pivot shaft 30 pivotally couples the operating member 14 to the base member 12. In this embodiment, the resting position P11 and the operating position P12 are defined by the pivot axis A1 and the distal end 14B.

In the present application, the term "rest position" as used herein refers to a position where the movable member like the operating member 14 maintains stillness while the movable member is not operated by the user. The term "operating position" as used herein refers to a position where the movable part has been operated by the user to perform the operation of the bicycle assembly like the hydraulic bicycle assembly BC1 Set.

As seen in FIG. 4, the base member 12 includes a cylinder bore 32. The cylinder bore 32 has a cylinder center axis A2. The cylinder bore 32 extends along the cylinder center axis A2. The cylinder bore 32 is connected to the first end surface 16A of the first end 16. The cylinder bore 32 is arranged between the pivot axis A1 and the first end 16. The pivot axis A1 is farther away from the first end 16 than the bore 32 of the cylinder.

The bicycle operating device 10 includes a piston 34 that is movably provided in the cylinder bore 32. The piston 34 is movable relative to the cylinder bore 32 along the cylinder center axis A2. The piston 34 is operatively coupled to the operating member 14 to move in the cylinder bore 32 in response to the pivotal movement of the operating member 14. The operating member 14 is operatively coupled to the piston 34 to pull the piston 34 from the initial position P21 to the actuated position P22 in response to the pivotal movement of the operating member 14. The initial position P21 corresponds to the resting position P11 of the operating member 14. The actuation position P22 corresponds to the operation position P12 of the operation member 14.

The bicycle operating device 10 includes a first seal ring 36 and a second seal ring 38. The first seal ring 36 and the second seal ring 38 are attached to the piston 34. The first seal ring 36 is separated from the second seal ring 38 along the cylinder center axis A2.

The bicycle operating device 10 includes a piston rod 40 and a third seal ring 42. The piston rod 40 is coupled to the piston 34 and extends from the piston 34 toward the opposite side of the first end 16 relative to the piston 34. Although the piston rod 40 is provided integrally with the piston 34 in this embodiment as a one-piece unitary structure The piston rod 40 can be a separate component from the piston 34. The base member 12 includes a through hole 44 coupled to the bore 32 of the cylinder. The piston rod 40 is movably provided in the through hole 44. The third sealing ring 42 is provided in the through hole 44. The cylinder bore 32, the piston 34, the first seal ring 36, and the third seal ring 42 define a hydraulic chamber 46. The hydraulic chamber 46 is filled with hydraulic fluid like mineral oil.

As seen in FIG. 5, the bicycle operating device 10 includes an outlet port 48 that is connected to the cylinder bore 32 to provide hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic bicycle assembly BC1. The base member 12 includes an outlet passage 49 that connects the hydraulic chamber 46 to the outlet port 48. The hydraulic chamber 46 is connected to the hydraulic hose 4 via the outlet passage 49 and the outlet port 48.

As seen in FIG. 4, the base member 12 includes a reservoir inner hole 50 connected to the cylinder bore 32. The reservoir inner hole 50 extends along the cylinder center axis A2. The bicycle operating device 10 includes a diaphragm 52 and a cover 54. The diaphragm 52 is provided in the reservoir inner hole 50 to be elastically deformable in the reservoir inner hole 50. The cover 54 is secured to the base member 12 so as to cover the end opening of the inner hole 50 of the receptacle. In this embodiment, the cover 54 is secured to the base member 12 with the firm member 56. The reservoir inner hole 50, the diaphragm 52 and the cover 54 constitute a hydraulic reservoir 58. The reservoir bore 50 and the diaphragm 52 define the reservoir chamber 60. The reservoir chamber 60 is filled with hydraulic fluid like mineral oil.

In this embodiment, the reservoir inner hole 50 is provided so as to be located above the cylinder inner hole 32 in the mounted state where the base member 12 is mounted on the bicycle handlebar 2. The reservoir inner hole 50 is farther away than the cylinder bore 32 端端部14B. However, the position of the reservoir inner hole 50 is not limited to this embodiment. The reservoir inner hole 50 can be omitted from the bicycle operating device 10.

The base member 12 includes a communication hole 62. The communication hole 62 connects the reservoir chamber 60 and the hydraulic chamber 46 in a state where the piston 34 is positioned at the initial position P21. When the piston 34 is moved from the initial position P21 toward the actuated position P22, the first seal ring 36 interrupts the communication between the hydraulic chamber 46 and the reservoir chamber 60 via the communication hole 62. The hydraulic reservoir 58 can be omitted from the bicycle operating device 10 or can be provided at the hydraulic bicycle assembly BC1.

As seen in FIG. 4, the base member 12 includes a discharge port 64 connected to the inner hole 50 of the receptacle. In this embodiment, the discharge port 64 includes a threaded hole 66. The screw hole 66 connects the reservoir inner hole 50 to the outer surface of the base member 12. The bicycle operating device 10 includes a drain plug 68. The discharge plug 68 is screwed into the screw hole 66. The discharge port 64 can be omitted from the bicycle operating device 10.

The bicycle operating device 10 further includes a piston offset member 70 to offset the piston 34 from the actuated position P22 toward the initial position P21. In this embodiment, the piston offset member 70 is provided outside the cylinder bore 32. A piston offset member 70 is provided in the second end 18. However, the piston offset member 70 can be provided at a position different from the second end 18. The piston offset member 70 can be provided in the cylinder bore 32.

As seen in FIG. 6, the piston offset member 70 includes a first offset element 72 and a second offset element 74. Although the first offset element 72 and the second offset element 74 are torsion coil springs in this embodiment, the first offset The shift element 72 and the second offset element 74 can be other offset elements like compression coil springs.

The bicycle operating device 10 includes a first support shaft 76 and a second support shaft 78. The first support shaft 76 is secured to the base member 12 (FIG. 4) and extends in the axial direction D1 parallel to the pivot axis A1 of the operating member 14. The second support shaft 78 is secured to the base member 12 (FIG. 4) and extends in the axial direction D1. The first offset element 72 and the second offset element 74 are mounted on the first support shaft 76. The bicycle operating device 10 includes a coupling shaft 80 coupled to one end of the piston rod 40. The coupling shaft 80 extends in the axial direction D1. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the base member 12 includes a first guide groove 81A and a second guide groove 81B. The coupling shaft 80 is movably provided in the first guide groove 81A and the second guide groove 81B. Each of the first offset element 72 and the second offset element 74 is engaged with the first support shaft 76 and the coupling shaft 80 to offset the piston 34 toward the initial position P21 (FIG. 4 ).

As seen in FIGS. 4 and 6, the operating member 14 includes an operating lever or main body 82 and an intermediate body 84. The proximal end 14A and the distal end 14B are provided on the operating lever 82. The intermediate body 84 is a member separate from the operating lever 82. The operating lever 82 and the intermediate body 84 are pivotally coupled to the base member 12 about the pivot axis A1 via the pivot shaft 30. The operating lever 82 and the intermediate body 84 can rotate relative to each other about the pivot axis A1. In this embodiment, the operating lever 82 includes a proximal end 14A and a distal end 14B. That is, the resting position P11 and the operating position P12 are defined by the operating lever 82. The intermediate body 84 is coupled to the shaft 80 Engage to transmit the operating force applied to the operating lever 82.

As seen in FIG. 4, the bicycle operating device 10 includes a first adjustment member 86 to change the resting position P11 of the operating member 14 relative to the base member 12. In this embodiment, the first adjustment member 86 is attached to the operation member 14. The first adjustment member 86 is attached to the intermediate body 84 of the operation member 14. The intermediate body 84 includes a first threaded hole 88. The first adjustment member 86 includes an adjustment screw, and is screwably engaged with the first screw hole 88. One end of the first adjustment member 86 is in contact with the operation lever 82. The rotation of the first adjustment member 86 relative to the intermediate body 84 changes the position of the operation lever 82 relative to the intermediate lever 84. This changes the resting position P11 of the operating member 14 without changing the initial position P21 of the piston 34.

As seen in FIG. 6, the bicycle operating device 10 includes a second adjustment member 90 to change the initial position P21 of the piston 34 relative to the base member 12 (FIG. 4 ). In this embodiment, the second adjustment member 90 includes an adjustment screw mounted on the base member 12 (FIG. 4 ). The second adjustment member 90 is screwably engaged with the first screw hole (not shown) of the base member 12 (FIG. 4 ). One end of the second adjustment member 90 is in contact with the intermediate body 84. The rotation of the second adjustment member 90 changes the position of the intermediate body 84 relative to the base member 12. This changes the initial position P21 of the piston 34 and further changes the resting position P11 of the operating member 14.

As seen in FIG. 6, the bicycle operating device 10 includes a lever offset member 92 to offset the operation lever 82 relative to the intermediate body 84 to maintain the first adjustment member 86 (FIG. 4) and the operation lever 82 s contact. The lever offset member 92 is attached to the operation member 14. Although the rod The piece biasing member 92 is a torsion coil spring in this embodiment, and the rod biasing member 92 can be other biasing elements like a compression coil spring.

As seen in FIG. 7, the bicycle operating device 10 includes an electric switch 94 provided at the second end 18. In this embodiment, the electric switch 94 is provided at the saddle portion 21. The electric switch 94 is attached to the second end portion 18 (for example, the saddle bridge portion 21). However, the position of the electric switch 94 is not limited to this embodiment. The electrical switch 94 is provided directly at the second end 18 without via a movable intermediate member. The electric switch 94 includes a user operation part 96. The user operation portion 96 faces forward and upward in the mounted state where the base member 12 is attached to the bicycle handlebar 2 (FIG. 4 ). The user operation portion 96 is arranged in the second end surface 21A. The user operation portion 96 protrudes from the second end surface 21A. In this embodiment, the electrical switch 94 is provided in the recess 18A of the second end 18 of the base member 12. The electric switch 94 is covered by the grip cover 28 to be operated via the grip cover 28. The user operation portion 96 is covered by the grip cover 28 to be pushed through the grip cover 28. However, the user operation portion 96 can be exposed from the grip cover 28. The user operation part 96 can be omitted from the electric switch 94.

As seen in FIG. 7, the user operation portion 96 can move relative to the base member 12 along the operation axis A3 defined not to coincide with the cylinder center axis A2. In this embodiment, the operation axis A3 is not parallel to the cylinder center axis A2. However, the operation axis A3 can be parallel to the cylinder center axis A2. The operation axis A3 can be defined to coincide with the cylinder center axis A2.

The operation axis A3 is inclined with respect to the cylinder center axis A2 when viewed along the pivot axis A1. The inclination angle AG defined between the operation axis A3 and the cylinder center axis A2 is equal to or less than 45 degrees when viewed along the pivot axis A1. As seen in FIG. 5, the operation axis A3 is offset from the cylinder center axis A2 when viewed from the direction D2 (FIG. 7) perpendicular to the pivot axis A1. The operation axis A3 is parallel to the cylinder center axis A2 when viewed from the direction D2 (FIG. 7) perpendicular to the pivot axis A1. However, the operation axis A3 can not be parallel to the cylinder center axis A2 when viewed from the direction D2 (FIG. 7) perpendicular to the pivot axis A1.

As seen in FIG. 3, the electrical switch 94 is farther from the distal end 14B of the operating member 14 than the pivot axis A1. The electrical switch 94 is farther from the first end 16 than the pivot axis A1. The electric switch 94 is farther away from the first end 16 than the bore 32 of the cylinder. The electrical switch 94 is further away from the first end 16 than the reservoir inner hole 50. However, the position of the electric switch 94 is not limited to this embodiment.

As seen in FIG. 8, the bicycle operating device 10 further includes a controller 98 that is electrically connected to the electric switch 94 to generate a control signal based on the operation of the electric switch 94. Examples of control signals include control signals for controlling bicycle seatposts, bicycle hangers, bicycle shifters, computer and smart phones. The controller 98 can be omitted from the bicycle operating device 10 or provided at a device different from the bicycle operating device 10.

As seen in FIG. 7, the electric switch 94 is provided on the controller 98. The controller 98 is attached to the second end portion 18 (for example, the saddle bridge portion twenty one). The controller 98 is provided in the recess 18A of the second end 18 of the base member 12. As seen in FIG. 4, the electrical switch 94 is farther away from the first end 16 than the controller 98.

As seen in FIG. 8, the controller 98 includes a processor 98A, a memory 98B, and a substrate 98C. The processor 98A and the memory 98B are electrically mounted on the substrate 98C. The processor 98A is electrically connected to the memory 98B via the substrate 98C. The processor 98A includes a central processing unit (CPU). Memory 98B stores programs and other information. The memory 98B includes a read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). For example, the program stored in the memory 98B is read into the processor 98A, and thereby, many functions of the controller 98 are executed. The electric switch 94 is electrically mounted on the substrate 98C. The electric switch 94 is electrically connected to the processor 98A via the substrate 98C. As seen in FIG. 7, the substrate 98C is secured to the second end portion 18 (for example, the saddle bridge portion 21 ).

The bicycle operating device 10 also includes a cable connector 100 provided at one of the base member 12 and the operating member 14. In this embodiment, the cable connector 100 is provided at the base member 12. However, the cable connector 100 can be provided at the operation member 14. The cable connector 100 is electrically connected to the controller 98 via the control cable 102. The cable connector 100 includes a connection port 104 (FIG. 2) to detachably receive the electric control cable 6 to electrically connect the electric control cable 6 to the controller 98. The cable connector 100 can be omitted from the bicycle operating device 10 or provided at a device different from the bicycle operating device 10.

The controller 98 uses power line communication technology to The control cable 6 is electrically connected to the electric device BC2 and the additional device BC3. Power line communication (PLC) carries data on the conductor, which is also used for power transmission or power distribution to the electric device BC2 and the additional device BC3. The controller 98 includes a PLC controller 98D. The PLC controller 98D receives the input signal generated by the electric switch 94. The PLC controller 98D superimposes the input signal on the power supply voltage flowing in the electric control cable 6. The power supply voltage is supplied from the battery BT via the electric control cable 6.

As seen in FIG. 1, the bicycle operating device 10 further includes an additional electric switch 106 provided at one of the base member 12 and the operating member 14. In this embodiment, an additional electric switch 106 is provided at the operating member 14. The extra electric switch 106 receives one of a user upshift input and a user downshift input. However, the additional electric switch 106 can be omitted from the bicycle operating device 10.

The bicycle operating device 10 also includes an additional electric switch 108 provided at one of the base member 12 and the operating member 14. In this embodiment, an additional electrical switch 108 is provided at the operating member 14. The additional electrical switch 108 receives the other of the user upshift input and the user downshift input. However, the additional electric switch 108 can be omitted from the bicycle operating device 10.

As seen in FIG. 8, the additional electrical switch 106 is electrically connected to the controller 98. The additional electrical switch 108 is electrically connected to the controller 98. In this embodiment, the additional electrical switches 106 and 108 are electrically connected to the controller 98 via the control cable 110. The controller 98 generates upshift control signals and downshift control signals based on user upshift input and user downshift input, respectively. The controller 98 can be configured to control separate devices in response to control signals generated based on the electrical switch 94, the additional electrical switch 106, and the additional electrical switch 108, respectively. The controller 98 can be configured to control a device in response to a control signal generated based on at least two of the electrical switch 94, the additional electrical switch 106, and the additional electrical switch 108.

With the bicycle operating device 10, it is possible to use the second end 18 as a position where the electric switch 94 is provided. Therefore, it is possible to improve the design freedom of the bicycle operating device 10.

Second embodiment

The bicycle operating device 210 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11. The bicycle operating device 210 has the same structure and/or configuration as the bicycle operating device 10 except for the wireless communicator. Therefore, elements having substantially the same functions as the elements of the first embodiment will be numbered the same here, and will not be described and/or illustrated in detail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIGS. 9 to 11, the bicycle operating device 210 further includes a wireless communicator 299 (FIG. 10) provided at one of the base member 12 and the operating member 14. In this embodiment, the wireless communicator 299 is provided at the base member 12. However, the wireless communicator 299 can be provided at the operation member 14. The wireless communicator 299 is electrically connected to the controller 98.

As seen in FIG. 11, the wireless communicator 299 includes a signal generation circuit 299A, a signal transmission circuit 299B, an antenna 299C, and a signal connection Receive circuit 299D. The signal generation circuit 299A, the signal transmission circuit 299B, the antenna 299C, and the signal reception circuit 299D are electrically mounted on the substrate 98C of the controller 98. The signal generating circuit 299A generates a wireless signal based on the control signal generated by the controller 98. The signal generating circuit 299A superimposes the input signal on the carrier wave by using a predetermined wireless communication protocol to generate a wireless signal. The signal transmission circuit 299B transmits the wireless signal via the antenna 299C in response to the input operation received by the electric switch 94. In this embodiment, the signal generating circuit 299A can encrypt the control information (eg, shift information) to generate an encrypted wireless signal. The signal generating circuit 299A encrypts the digital signal stored in the memory 98B by using a cryptographic key. The signal transmission circuit 299B transmits the encrypted wireless signal. Therefore, when the electric switch 94 is closed by an input operation to be activated, the wireless communicator 299 wirelessly transmits a wireless signal to upshift or downshift the electric device BC2.

Furthermore, the signal receiving circuit 299D receives the wireless signal from the electric device BC2 via the antenna 299C. In this embodiment, the signal receiving circuit 299D decodes the wireless signal to identify the information wirelessly transmitted from the electric device BC2. The signal receiving circuit 299D can decrypt the encrypted wireless signal by using the encryption key. That is, the wireless communicator 299 is constructed to transmit wireless signals to control other electrical components, and receive wireless signals to identify information from other electrical components. In other words, the wireless communicator 299 is provided as a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver. In this embodiment, the wireless communicator 299 is integrally provided as a single module or unit. However, the wireless communicator 299 can be provided to be separated from each other at different positions The module or unit is composed of a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver. The signal receiving circuit 299D can be omitted from the wireless communicator 299.

In this embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 9 and 11, the battery BT is mounted on the base member 12 and is electrically connected to the controller 98 via the control cable 102. In this embodiment, the battery holder BT1 is installed on the base member 12 and is electrically connected to the control cable 102 and the cable connector 100. The battery BT is attached to the battery holder BT1, and is electrically connected to the controller 98 via the battery holder BT1 and the control cable 102. The battery BT can be electrically connected to another device via the cable connector 100.

With the bicycle operating device 210, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effect as the operating device 10 of the first embodiment.

Third embodiment

The bicycle operating device 310 according to the third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 12. The bicycle operating device 310 has the same structure and/or configuration as the bicycle operating device 10 except that the piston 34 is pushed to generate hydraulic pressure. Therefore, elements having substantially the same functions as those of the above-mentioned embodiments will be numbered the same here, and will not be described and/or illustrated in detail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 12, in the bicycle operating device 310, the operating member 14 is operatively coupled to the piston 34 to push the piston 34 from the initial position P321 to the actuated position P322 in response to the pivotal movement of the operating member 14 .

With the bicycle operating device 310, it is possible to obtain The effects of the operating device 10 of the embodiment are substantially the same.

Fourth embodiment

The bicycle operating device 410 according to the fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 13. The bicycle operating device 410 has the same structure and/or configuration as the bicycle operating device 10 except for the base member 12. Therefore, elements having substantially the same functions as those of the above-mentioned embodiments will be numbered the same here, and will not be described and/or illustrated in detail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 13, the bicycle operating device 410 includes a base member 412. The base member 412 has substantially the same structure as the base member 12 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the base member 412 is constructed to be attached to the handlebar end 402A of the bicycle handlebar 402. The base member 412 includes a first end 416 to be mounted on the bicycle handlebar 402. The base member 412 includes a second end 418 opposite the first end 416. An electrical switch 94 is provided at the second end 418. The electrical switch 94 is farther from the distal end 14B of the operating member 14 than the pivot axis A1. An additional electrical switch 106 is provided at the base member 412. The extra electric switch 108 is omitted from the bicycle operating device 410.

With the bicycle operating device 410, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effect as the operating device 10 of the first embodiment.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle field from this disclosure that the constructions of the above embodiments, including modifications, can be at least partially combined with each other if necessary and/or desired.

For example, the wireless communicator 299 of the second embodiment can be applied to the bicycle operating devices 310 and 410 of the third and fourth embodiments.

The push hydraulic unit described in the third embodiment can be applied to the bicycle operating devices 210 and 410 of the second and fourth embodiments.

In addition, the structures of the bicycle operating devices 10, 210, and 310 of the first to third embodiments can be applied to the bicycle operating device 410 of the fourth embodiment.

The term "comprising" and its derivatives as used herein is intended as an open-ended term that defines the occurrence of the described features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but does not exclude other unstated features, The appearance of elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps. This concept also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "having", "including" and their derivatives.

The terms "member", "section", "part", "part", "element", "body" and "structure" can have the dual meaning of a single part or plural parts when used in the singular.

The ordinal terms such as “first” and “second” described in this application are only discriminant terms, but do not have any other meanings such as a specific order. In addition, for example, the term “first element” itself does not imply the existence of the “second element”, and the term “second element” itself does not imply the existence of the “first element”.

The term "a pair" used here can cover the pair The components have the same shape or structure configuration, and can also cover the configuration in which the pair of components have different shapes or structures.

The terms "a", "one or more" and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein.

Finally, terms such as "substantially", "approximately" and "approximately" used herein mean a reasonable amount of variation of the modified term so that the final result will not change significantly.

Obviously, in view of the above teachings, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Therefore, it is understood that within the scope of the accompanying patent application, the present invention may be implemented in ways other than those specifically described herein.